North Idaho
Living in Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene puts the lake, a walkable downtown and year-round trails right outside your door.
Life on the North Shore
Coeur d'Alene is the largest city in North Idaho, and it sits on the north shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, right where the Spokane River leaves the lake. Interstate 90 runs along the north side of town, and downtown Spokane is about 30 miles to the west.
What people notice first is how close the water is to everyday life. You can park downtown, walk Sherman Avenue for dinner, and be at the lake a few minutes later. McEuen Park sits on the waterfront, and Tubbs Hill, a natural area with a loop trail of about two miles, rises at the edge of downtown. The floating boardwalk at The Coeur d'Alene Resort is open to the public, so a walk over the water is part of an ordinary evening here.
In winter, the skiing is close. Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and Schweitzer are all within a drive for the day.
Tell Me Where You're Moving From
Parts of Town You'll Hear About
If you're moving from another state, these names will come up quickly, and each one feels different.
The Garden District. One of the city's oldest areas, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the homes were built between about 1890 and 1940, and you'll see bungalows and Craftsman homes on tree-lined streets close to downtown.
The Fort Grounds. This area sits on the site of the old military post, along the lake between North Idaho College and City Park. Homes here vary a great deal in size, age and character.
Sanders Beach. Named for the beach that drew swimmers as the town grew, this area sits along the lake with Tubbs Hill close by.
Downtown. Condos and newer buildings put you within a walk of restaurants, shops and the lake.
Older homes close to the lake and downtown come with character, and often with the questions older homes bring. Those are the questions I want answered before you commit.
Homes in Coeur d'Alene
You'll find historic homes near downtown, condos close to the lake, and newer neighborhoods as you move north and west. Farther out of town, properties get larger, and you may be looking at acreage with a well and septic system, each of which needs its own inspection.
Prices here change too quickly to print on a web page, and they vary a great deal from one part of town to the next. Tell me what you're looking for, and I'll pull current numbers from real local sales for the areas you're considering.
The Trade-Offs
Coeur d'Alene is the busiest town in the area, and summer brings visitors to the lake and downtown. If you want a shorter walk to dinner and the water, that energy is part of what you're buying. If you want more room and a quieter road, Hayden, Rathdrum or the towns farther out may fit how you want to live better.
I'll show you the differences and tell you what I see. The decision is always yours.
How I Help in Coeur d'Alene
I've lived in North Idaho since 2012, and my office is a short drive north in Hayden. If you're buying from another state, I'm your eyes, hands and feet here. I tour homes for you on video, attend inspections in person, and stay your resource after you move in. If you're selling, your home's price comes from real local sales, and you'll see the same numbers I see.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Coeur d'Alene from the Spokane airport?
Plan on about 45 minutes by car on Interstate 90, depending on traffic and where you're headed in town.
Where can I learn about schools in Coeur d'Alene?
The Coeur d'Alene School District's website is the best place to start. It has current boundaries and information for each school.
Do homes in Coeur d'Alene have wells and septic systems?
It depends on the property. Homes farther out of town may have a well and septic, and I confirm it on every home so your inspection period allows enough time.
What is winter like?
Coeur d'Alene gets real winters with snow. Plan for snow tires, heating and snow removal, and look at the road to any home in every season.
The Method
How We Do It Together in Coeur d'Alene
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